Balancing the Scales: Cultivating Mental Wellness for Legal Professionals

Speakers.

• Brian
  Moher

  Brian was called to the Ontario Bar in 2005 and has devoted his career to complex litigation.  He has acted as Trial and Appellate counsel with experience at Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as being appointed Pro Hac Vice counsel in the United States. 

  Brian spent the first decade of his career as a health law defence lawyer in both civil and professional regulatory proceedings.  In 2015, Brian started working as plaintiff’s counsel in medical negligence actions.  Brian has practised as plaintiff class actions counsel since 2005.  He acted as trial counsel in medical device class actions, including St. Jude Medical v Andersen and Taylor v Canada.

• Michelle
  Kudlats

  Michelle is a Partner at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers LLP. Her practice is focused on personal injury litigation including motor vehicle accidents, occupier's liability, and long-term disability cases, as well as medical malpractice. Michelle is known as a compassionate lawyer who keenly understands how to tell her clients' stories to optimize their access to justice.

  
  

  As a litigator, Michelle prides herself on being the voice for her clients. She has extensive experience across the tribunal system, conducting arbitrations, and appearing at trial including her most recent victory in Hemmings (litigation guardian of) v Peng (2022 OJ No 2674). Michelle's strength in deciphering complex medicine and facts has made her an excellent and frequently referred advocate.

  
  

  Michelle is a proud graduate from the University of Western Ontario Law School. Prior to that, Michelle obtained her Honours degree in Political Science, focusing on the judicial system, public policy, and social justice. Michelle is often asked to speak on medical-legal topics, including at the University Health Network's Brain Injury Conference.
• Dr. Hannah
  Rockman

  Dr. Hannah Rockman is the Founder and Principal of YRPS. She is a member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the British Psychological Society, the Ontario Psychological Association and the National Academy of Neuropsychology.

  
  

  She has extensive experience in counselling in Canada, England and Israel at hospitals, clinics and in private healthcare.

  
  

  Dr. Rockman has over 20 years of experience working with clients involved in personal injury, motor vehicle and work-related accidents. She has conducted assessments for Medical/Rehabilitation, Psycho-vocational assessments, Disability and Catastrophic Impairment in the context of both Independent Medical Examinations as well as working with clients and their legal representatives.

  
  

  In addition, Dr. Rockman works with individuals, couples and children of all ages. She conducts neuropsychological, ADHD, immigration, psycho-educational and gifted assessments for individuals. Dr. Rockman has also been involved in infertility counselling for several fertility clinics.

  
  

  Having practiced on three continents, Dr. Rockman is experienced in dealing with populations from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Lynne
  Harford

  Lynne Harford MSW, RSW is a registered therapist with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Glendon College-York University. Prior to her university studies, Lynne pursued a career in business and received a Marketing Administration Diploma from Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. In 2013, Lynne achieved her designation of Art Therapist graduating with an advanced diploma in Art Therapy from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.

  
  

  Lynne has had an extensive work history in both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining The Social Work Consulting Group in 2008, she was employed at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) where she spent five years providing clinical social work services to children and their families in the Trauma Program. Throughout her career, Lynne has been an active member in the larger community participating in various committees as well as presenting at a number of community based, insurance and legal conferences. Other areas of specialization in which Lynne has focused and devoted her practice to include, acquired brain injury in children and youth, acute and chronic illness, domestic violence, separation/divorce and issues related to grief and loss. Lynne is both a therapist and advocate who is committed to enriching the lives of children and adults in the aftermath of physical and emotional trauma.